Rebels sign Wallabies scrum half Joe Powell

Wed, Sep 30, 2020, 11:34 PM
Rebels Media
by Rebels Media
Joe Powell has signed with the Melbourne Rebels (Photo: Getty Images).
Joe Powell has signed with the Melbourne Rebels (Photo: Getty Images).

The Melbourne Rebels are excited to unveil Wallabies scrum-half Joe Powell, as the club’s first new signing for the upcoming 2021 Season.

Powell joins the Rebels from the ACT Brumbies, where he’s spent the entirety of his professional playing career, recording over 60 Super Rugby matches since making his senior debut in 2015.

The Brumbies’ vice-captain produced a stellar campaign this year, playing a crucial role in his side reaching their first grand final since 2004, receiving the honours of being named in the Super Rugby AU Team of the Season.

Following his impressive form, Powell was recently included in the new look 44-man Wallabies squad for the upcoming Test season, joining nine other Melbourne Rebels in the touring party.

A junior prodigy, Powell is no stranger to representative honours, having been an important member of the Australian Under-20’s squad at the 2014 IRB Junior World Championships in New Zealand, joining current Rebels Cameron Orr, Ross Haylett-Petty and Matt Philip in the side.

In 2016, Powell burst onto the senior international scene after just seven games of Super Rugby experience, being selected in the 39-man Australian squad to take on England, before making his Wallabies debut in 2017 against Fiji, fittingly in Melbourne. 

The Marist College product has since gone on to win four Test Caps for Australia and remains in strong contention for a starting birth in the opening Bledisloe Test beginning in Wellington next Sunday.

Powell’s signing will be a welcome addition to the Melbourne Rebels’ roster, following the return of starting scrum-half Ryan Louwrens to our Japanese partners, the Kintetsu Liners.

The twenty-six-year-old Powell says he’s excited to begin a new chapter in his playing career and is looking forward to becoming an integral member for his new side in Melbourne’s quest for Super Rugby AU glory in season 2021.

“I’m super excited for the opportunity to join a new club and move to a whole new city,” said Powell.

“I’ll never forget debuting for the Wallabies at AAMI Park - I’ve got plenty of fond memories there and also some not so good memories against the Rebels where we got touched up a few times, so it’ll be nice to be with the home team now.

“I think the Rebels had a really good season this year, so I’m excited to do my bit and help them improve even more next season.

“I’ve known a few of the fellas like Hodgey (Reece Hodge), Pup (Matt To’omua) and Dane (Haylett-Petty) from my time throughout Wallabies squads, so from what I’ve heard it’s a really good group down there.

“I’m really excited to be part of that group now going forward.”

Melbourne Rebels Head Coach Dave Wessels is looking forward to working with Powell.

“We’ve obviously played against Joe many times over the years and know just what a competitor he is. Aside from the skill and intensity he brings on the field, it’s obvious that he’s a good team man. He’s a great fit for Melbourne.”

 

 

Share